Zinc Oxide/Unna Boots

The Unna Boot is a compression bandage, usually made from cotton, that has been impregnated with a zinc oxide paste. The zinc oxide paste contained in the Unna Boot helps to ease skin irritation and maintain a moist healing environment. Unna Boots are used to treat Lymphedema, edema and leg ulcers. (read more)

Unna Boots are named after the German dermatologist, Paul Gerson Unna, who specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin.

Unna Boots provide 20-30mmHg compression, making them useful to treat a variety of conditions requiring gradient pressure, such as Lymphedema and other edemas. The zinc oxide paste in the Unna Boot promotes wound site healing, making them useful for burns, ulcers and open sores. The zinc oxide paste does not harden or cake, making it a superior alternative to gelatins which are used in other dressings. Some Unna Boots also contain calamine lotion and glycerin which helps to reduce itching, pain and skin irritation.

In general, Unna Boots are used to treat wounds with light to moderate drainage and are sometimes used in conjunction with hydrogel dressings for wound management. Unna Boots are more commonly used for patients who are active and mobile rather than those who are confined to a wheelchair or bed.